The Wardrobe

The Wardrobe was established in 1970 to recycle quality used clothing at nominal prices.   The organization is completely staffed and operated by volunteers from church groups and the community.   On Tuesdays of most weeks, The Wardrobe is open only to qualifying families referred by social service agencies of Boone County.  They are able to select gently used clothing, small household items and various other items such as personal care items and linens for their families.  The qualifying families can purchase shoe coupons for their children enrolled in a Boone County Public School to redeem with our current partner, Shoe Carnival, Inc.

A parent or guardian pays $5 per shoe coupon for each child enrolled in the Boone County public school system.  The coupon can be redeemed for one pair of shoes costing up to $50 at the Shoe Carnival.  A coupon can be purchased once every six months for each child.  The parent or guardian then takes the coupon(s) and child(ren) to Shoe Carnival, Inc to select shoes that fit each child.  If the pair of shoes selected costs more than $50, the parent or guardian pays the additional amount, and if the selected shoes cost less than $50, The Wardrobe is billed for only the actual cost of the shoes.  884 families purchased shoe coupons during the 2023 calendar year, 727 families purchased 1,865 shoe coupons during the 2024 calendar year.  Current reports indicate that 2025 numbers will increase from 2024 numbers.

Health care professionals often see decreased mental anguish on the part of students, families, and school professionals as a result of having children receive shoes that fit.  It should give us all satisfaction to reside in a community which strives to provide for its young, vulnerable citizens!